Aircraft Mechanic Salary in 2026
Inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft engines, landing gear, and other systems.
Median Salary
$79,870
$6,656/mo
Entry Level
$56,400
starting pay
Senior Level
$108,100
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (SOC 49-3011) at a national median of $79,870 per year (mean $84,740), or $38.40 per hour, with 138,090 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
Aircraft Mechanic Overview
Inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft engines, landing gear, and other systems.
Education
Certificate/Associate's
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Trades
Total Jobs (US)
138K
5-Year Growth
+5%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$38.40/hr
Monthly Pay
$6,656
Aircraft Mechanic Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Aircraft Mechanic salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Aircraft Mechanic Salary
$91,000
$7,583/month · $3,500/biweekly · $43.75/hr
Aircraft Mechanic Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Aircraft Mechanic field.
Entry-level Aircraft Mechanics earn around $56,400, while the top 10% earn $117,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Aircraft Mechanics
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $94,000 | +$14,130 |
| Washington | $89,000 | +$9,130 |
| Texas | $78,000 | $-1,870 |
| Florida | $78,000 | $-1,870 |
| Arizona | $77,000 | $-2,870 |
Top Paying Cities for Aircraft Mechanics
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $91,000 | +$11,130 |
| Miami | $81,000 | +$1,130 |
| Dallas | $80,000 | +$130 |
| Houston | $79,000 | $-870 |
| Phoenix | $77,000 | $-2,870 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Aircraft Mechanic Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Aircraft Mechanic from entry level to expert.
$56,400
0-2 years
$82,000
3-7 years
$108,100
8-14 years
$126,900
15+ years
Related Trades Jobs
Aircraft Mechanic Salary FAQ
How much does a Aircraft Mechanic make in 2026?
The median salary for a Aircraft Mechanic in the United States is $79,870 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (SOC 49-3011); the mean is $84,740. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $56,400, senior professionals around $108,100, and top earners at $126,900 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Aircraft Mechanic?
A Aircraft Mechanic typically requires a Certificate/Associate's with 2-4 years of experience. Key skills include Airframe Repair, Powerplant Systems, FAA Regulations. Relevant certifications such as FAA A&P License can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Aircraft Mechanics?
The job market for Aircraft Mechanics is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 138K Aircraft Mechanic positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 5%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Aircraft Mechanics the most?
The highest-paying states for Aircraft Mechanics include California, Texas, Washington. In California, the median salary is approximately $94,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Aircraft Mechanic salary?
To increase your Aircraft Mechanic salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Airframe Repair and Powerplant Systems. Pursue certifications such as FAA A&P License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Houston. With 2-4 years of experience, you can progress from $56,400 to $108,100 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Aircraft Mechanic Salary
How we calculate Aircraft Mechanic salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (SOC 49-3011), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $79,870, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians; BLS mean $84,740; BLS hourly median $38.40.
- Entry-level ($56,400) and senior-level ($108,100) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 138,090 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 5% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Trades sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Certificate/Associate's, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $79,870; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
Authoritative US data sources for Aircraft Mechanic compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Aircraft Mechanic job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections, 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index, quarterly compensation trend data for Trades
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U), regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary, 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Aircraft Mechanic salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Airframe Repair, Powerplant Systems, FAA Regulations), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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